Five Types of People That Kill Innovation
Who are the people that kill innovation in corporate organizations? Here is my take on five types. Let me know what you think and what you can you add.
Executives, who do not get innovation: The actions of executives continue to be the single-most important element when it comes to making innovation happen in organizations.
Incompetent innovation directors: These people must be able to fulfill the needs of current and future markets. They must be able to bring internal as well as external resources together in order to make this happen. At the same, innovation directors need to know how to play the political game that is always played in organizations. This is a tough job and there is no room for incompetent people.
Informal leaders: Some people just have more influence than others even though they are not formal leaders. But by being just what they are – informal leaders – they can make or break projects that can help build a stronger innovation culture. Unfortunately, some informal leaders like the status quo, which can become a big hindrance for innovation.
Key people who miss the bigger picture: Every innovation project has several key people attached to it. They are valuable because they contribute with very specific knowledge. However, they also become a liability if they only focus on their own contribution and fail to understand the value of contributions from other functions or from people outside the organization.
YOU: You kill innovation when you stop challenging the status quo, when you stop believing and when you stop pushing the limit.
It only takes a few people with the wrong mindset in the “right” places to kill innovation. Don’t be one of them.
Hep hey Stefan – nice one;-)
Once I tried to define the different "CXO" types on innovation @our blog;
1. The ivory tower CXO
- Talks the talk – but barely backs up the efforts, and won`t let anything pass without his/her approval. Puts up a lot of control mechanisms, and allows “over management” to kill the innovative culture. Total stranger to OI, keeps ideation and staging in control via only using small groups and outside “experts” – or close inside ones. Downsides are…obvious. Upside are….he will probably be up for retirement soon.
2. The “short term results” CXO
- Engages and cultivates the efforts well – but are only focussed on short term results. This can be quite good if efforts are put in innovating on processes, improvements, cost reductions ect. – but a pitfall if going for new products and services. Typically a Lean practitioner – without the knowledge of conducting longterm innovation. Upside are…great short term results. Downside…no space/backup for longterm efforts.
3. The “closed circuit” CXO
- Backs, engages and cultivates innovation – however nothing ever comes into play! By creating a “closed circuit”, ideas and innovations circuit within, being tested rigorously, discussed at countless brainstorm sessions, dragged through endless spreadsheet maneuvers only to get from a good idea to; ” I just think something better has come up”…Upsides are…at least he`s enthusiastic – and will probably listen to critics. Downsides are…maybe he is just enthusiastic – and not a listener.
4. The “Traditionalistic” CXO
- Every year for 14 days, employees competes for “Innovative Employee of the Year”…it´s a tradition, and have been for many years. Believes that one short period every year, employees will cast everything aside to partake in winning that awesome silver plated trophy and the Ipod! Creativity, collaboration and ideation on demand! Upsides are…right intentions are present. Downsides are…tradition is hard to break.
5. The “silent” CXO
- Backs innovation with funding, staff, outside consultants, software – the works!…then slips out the backdoor, letting “the system” run without fueling it with repeated presence and interest. Upsides are…you are in innovation heaven – for a while…Downsides are…hell is just around the corner.
These are just a few “types” that I have stumbled upon – but they are quite typical and representative of what I still meet out there. There are probably more “types” – so feel free to add to the list – or do let me know if I am all wrong;-)
Hi Michael, you are not wrong at all
I really like this list. Thanks for your contribution!
Hey Stefan,
I`ll keep it updated with new types;-)
Btw. sent you an invite for our housewarming @nosco, nov. 12th – so if u are in DK, we`re looking forward to seeing you at our new office!;-)
There's also the "outboard motor" – just keep repeating "BUT" out loud and you'll see what I mean…..